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"My favorite place in France had to be flying at Plaine
Joux. Since we spent quite a few days there we got used to the
conditons and really started figureing the place out. The views
from up high were incredible and there were nice fields to land
in. I loved Gite La Chouette because the food was wonderfully
homemade and the owners, Ed and Marishka, were warm and accomodating."
"The flying in France was
what I expected and had heard about. The thermals were big and
light. Climbing up to cloudbase was common and a lot of fun!"
-Kate
"My trip to France had everything I had hoped for. Good
food, nice scenery and established flying sites. We flew every
day which wasn't something I expected, but was a great added bonus.
The places that we were at the longest and allowed us to get comfortable,
these sites are the ones I remember best."
-Eirik
"Flying at Plaine Joux was spectacular. Big launch area
looking right towards Mount Blanc, with a nice green pasture for
the LZ. (Not to mention the bar across the street from the LZ).
Flying over pine trees, next to waterfalls, with Mount Blanc and
the Alps right there - it was a beautiful flying site."
"I love traveling in France,
and this trip was no exception. Everything was very paraglider
friendly, from all the pilots to the inn keepers. A paraglider
pilot can really feel at home there. The wine, cheese, bread,
chocolate, and the French people - I can't wait to go back."
-Bobbie
"Paragliding in the French Alps was really special to me
for a lot of reasons. I had some of my personal best flights,
both in terms of airtime and altitude, for a start. By the time
I go back, I'll be ready to take full advantage of the XC possibilities,
which are endless. Everyday the sky was filled with beautiful
cumulus clouds that would start in the late morning and develop
gradually for miles over the most picturesque terrain that I've
ever seen (i.e. wildflowers in full bloom, green valleys, and
snow-capped peaks!). The launch areas were dreamlike, as were
the LZs...perfectly groomed like putting greens, spacious, and
all manner of amenities right there (like a cafe/bar looking out
on both!). I never had to think of anything. The transportation
to all the best sites in the region was provided, the accessibility
to launch could not have been easier (there was a funiculaire
that went straight to launch from very near the LZ every 45 min.
or so at one of the sites!), the food was French as was the wine
(need I say more?), and the flying was not only possible every
day of the entire trip, but it was excellent. What was even more
amazing was that it was perfect for any level pilot. A beginner
could have a safe, fun flight, and a P5 could fly 100+ miles on
the same day from the same place! It was a flying experience that
I will never forget."
"When not in the air (the
other 20% of the trip), what I remember most is how friendly the
people were in all of the little towns where we stayed, and how
charming the towns were in general. Cobblestone streets, cafes,
fountains filling tiny courtyards with the soothing sound of running
water over stones of antiquity, and smiles, without regard to
whether we were American or French. Finally, it was great to be
part of a tight knit group. I always had plenty of people that
I could (and did) talk with in English, and when I wanted or needed
to speak French, Irene was always there to help me, acting both
as a teacher and an interpreter when necessary. What a fabulously
rich experience...it could not have been any better."
"Thanks guys, you all really
outdid yourselves."
-Greg
"To fly over waterfalls and castles, to enjoy picnic lunches
in gorgeous locales, to nibble incredible chocolate and sip wine
with friends before retiring to our room with a view--that was
the best of France. I can't wait until next time."
-Lee Anne
"When I walked up to the launch at Plaine Joux, I got the
feeling that this place is one of the finest flying sites in the
world. The View of the valley and the Mont Blanc in front of me,
the sheer rock cliffs behind me, pilots and gliders all around
me, it kind of overwhelmed me. I felt very fortunate to be involved
in such a unique and exhilirating sport that would bring me to
a place like this."
"I particularly enjoyed the
dinner we had near St Hillaire, where they just brought out the
cheese heaters! The fine french cheese just melted and
flowed into our happy bellies! OK, maybe there was also a little
teeny bit of French wine..."
-Chad
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